Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from Greenville Dermatology!


Check back in the new year when we will reveal the 6th and final myth on acne.

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 5 of 6 Myth 5: You can’t wear makeup if you are prone to acne.

BUSTED!
While there are many cosmetics that will clog pores and make acne worse, if you know what to look for you can find makeup that not only hides blemishes but also helps clear up your skin. Now doesn’t that sound like a product you want in your arsenal?

Things to look for in cosmetics:
• Oil-free: This is a must. Your face naturally produces oil, so adding more oil will only clog your pores.
• Non-comedogenic: Means it won’t clog your pores. Always a good thing!
• Oil-free, matte, or semi-matte foundations are the best for acne prone skin.
• Mineral makeup contains no preservatives or fragrance, which often irritate sensitive skin. But be wary- if the makeup says mineral-enriched, you’re getting more than just minerals.
• Avoid oil-based cosmetics as well as creamy foundations and blush.

Also be sure to apply cosmetics with applicators rather than with your hands. This helps to limit the amount of oil on your face. And no matter how tired you are, wash your makeup off before going to sleep. You don’t go to bed in the clothes you wear all day, so don’t go to bed with the makeup you wore all day.

At Greenville Dermatology we offer glominerals cosmetics that use the power of vitamins and minerals to even complexion, hide blemishes, and improve the overall look and feel of your skin. Call (864) 242-5872 today to learn more about glominerals products.

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 4 of 6
Myth 4: Only teenagers get acne.

BUSTED!
Thought you finally kissed bad skin goodbye along with your teen years? Contrary to popular belief, adult acne is much more common than one may think. Having skin problems as an adult can be just as embarrassing as when you’re a teen, or even more so, but you are not alone. About 25% of men and 50% of women experience some degree of acne in their adult lives. These numbers are higher for women than men because acne is hormonally related and women’s hormones tend to fluctuate with their cycles and pregnancies.

As an adult, your skin is different than it was during your teen years, so your treatment should be different as well. It may be tempting to just visit your pharmacy store and grab some over-the-counter cleanser, but what you really need is a visit to the dermatologist. There are a lot more treatment options available and as your dermatologist, I can suggest the best option for you based on your unique skin.

In addition to prescription topical or oral medications, Greenville Dermatology also offers Omnilux Therapy, an intense pulsed light designed to treat acne or rosacea. Unfortunately Omnilux is not covered by insurance companies at this time, but it is competitively priced for our clients.

Make your appointment and start treating your acne the grown-up way. Call (864) 242-5872 today!

Busting Myths on Acne: Myth 3 of 6

Myth 3: Acne is caused by uncleanliness.


BUSTED! You have been told for years that you get acne because your skin is dirty, so you scrub and you scrub multiple times a day. Acne is not caused by not washing your face enough. In fact, washing your face too often and scrubbing your face irritates your skin, which may actually worsen your acne.

You should not wash your face more than twice a day- once in the morning and once at night. When you wash your face too often, you risk drying out your skin. Dry skin will either result in redness and peeling, or it will overcompensate by producing too much oil, giving you an oily complexion. Overly dry skin irritates acne while too much oil clogs pores and causes pimples to form. Limit washing your face to twice a day and your skin will thank you!

If you can’t pronounce the ingredients in the facial cleanser, chances are your skin won’t like it. Unless you have a face wash prescribed by me, your daily facial cleanser should have simple ingredients. Many over-the-counter cleansers contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid to help fight acne-causing bacteria, but that is about as complex as it should be. Ingredients that aren’t natural can be quite harmful for your skin.

If your face is still very dry after limiting your cleansing to twice daily, I suggest taking it down to once daily and using an oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer immediately after washing your face.

Lastly, don’t scrub your face! Most cleansers that advertise deep-clean scrubbing or come with their own scrubbing pad will only serve to irritate your skin. Your skin is vulnerable so wash it gently!

As a dermatologist, I have a wide selection of skincare products, including many face cleansers with key ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide to help kill acne-causing bacteria. Call (864) 242-5872 to make your appointment today and start cleaning your acne the right way!

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 2 of 6

Myth 2: Tanning helps clear up skin.


BUSTED! While tanning may hide your pimples, it certainly does not help get rid of them. In fact, tanning may worsen your acne.

After a day in the sun your skin looks better because exposure to the sun helps to even complexion and dry up the surface of the skin, but the long-term damage isn't worth it. Not only are you exposing yourself to harmful UV rays that permanently damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer, but you are also irritating your skin when you are exposed to too much sun, which in turn aggravates acne.

Additionally, sun damage thickens your skin over time, which makes it harder to clear your pores of acne-causing bacteria. There is no evidence that sun exposure helps reduce acne, so why risk your skin's health? By wearing SPF 30 or higher every day, you are protecting your face from overexposure and the harmful effects of the sun.

If you suffer from acne, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free non-comedogenic, which means it doesn't clog your pores, or a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen.

It may be tempting to soak in the sun to disguise your acne, but the results are temporary at best. As I always say, sunscreen is your best ally. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from premature aging but also prevents the sun from worsening your acne.

Schedule an appointment with me and we'll discuss sunscreen options that won't clog your pores or make you feel greasy. Call (864) 242-5872 today!

Don't forget about our Latisse® discount program going on now, just in time for the holidays! Patients who receive BOTOX® or JUVEDERM® until December 31 will be qualified to receive $100 off their purchase of Latisse®!

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 1 of 6

Acne is extremely common and can be a very hard thing to deal with, regardless of your age. MedScape reports that more than 17 milion Americans suffer from acne, and 80-90% of adolescents experience some level of acne. There are a lot of myths circling acne and its causes, so I decided to begin a short series in which I debunk the myths one at a time.

Myth 1: Eating chocolate and junk food causes acne.

BUSTED! Eating fast food or high-fat foods does not cause or worsen acne. Doctors and scientists have extensively studied correlations between diet and acne, and have found no relation between junk food and acne.

On the other hand, studies have shown that people who consume dairy products are at a higher risk for developing acne. Similar studies have demonstrated a link between high-glycemic-index foods and acne, showing that people who ate foods with a high GI were more likely to have acne problems than those who ate foods with a low GI.

In conclusion, while dairy and foods with a high GI may worsen acne, your diet, whether healthy or unhealthy, does not cause acne. But it is important to note that while food does not cause acne, it can affect your skin, so don't start eating 10 candy bars every day! As the old adage goes, everything in moderation.

We have an exciting opportunity to share with you!

Just in time for the holiday season, the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® are proud to introduce the Latisse® Real Lash Growth, Real $100 Rewards program. From now until December 31, 2010, when qualified patients receive Botox® Cosmetic or Juvéderm®, they will be qualified to recieve $100 off their purchase of Latisse®!

Latisse® is proven to increase the growth of eyelashes, including length, thickness, and darkness.

Now you can get longer, thicker, darker eyelashes just in time for the holidays at a great price! Call (864) 242-5872 to schedule your consultation or appointment with us today!

World Psoriasis Day: Shedding Light on Childhood Psoriasis

This Friday,October 29 is World Psoriasis Day, a day to recognize people suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis worldwide.

This year the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations is focusing its efforts on childhood psoriasis. Currently there is no drug approved by the FDA to treat childhood psoriasis, and these children struggle with bullying and discrimination along with the physical and emotional challenges they already face.

You can help raise awareness by participating in a walk near you, signing a thank you note to legislators who support psoriasis research, or by sending an e-card to friends and family. For more information on these and other awareness campaigns, please click here.

If you or someone you know has psoriasis, we can help! At Greenville Dermatology we are currently treating 523 patients for psoriasis. We offer every treatment available, including oral medications such as methotrexate and soriatane, topical medications, light treatments both narrow UVB as well as an Eximer laser, and the more recent treatments seen on TV such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicaid and Stelara.

Call (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment at Greenville Dermatology today!

To learn more about World Psoriasis Day, please visit the website.

Not all anti-aging products are created equal

In 2008, Americans spent over $7 billion on anti-aging products. It may be tempting to buy the product that claims you'll look 10 years younger, but the product doesn't always deliver. You need to be educated on safe and effective anti-aging treatments before you go shopping. With some help from the American Academy of Dermatology, here is some advice you should follow as a consumer:

1. Do your homework. You could try a bunch of products and feel disappointed when you d0n't get the results you want and then call your dermatologist for help, or you could call and make an appointment with us today and avoid wasting your money, time, and energy. Greenville Dermatology is your best resource on anti-aging information and treatment.
2. Protect by day and repair by night. All dermatologists agree that wearing sunscreen daily is your number one anti-aging weapon. Using a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection that is SPF 30 or higher will not only protect your skin against sun damage but will also help repair damage your skin has already incurred. Moisturizers are typically the "secret ingredient" in anti-aging creams because it plumps up fine lines and improves skin's complexion.
3. Expensive doesn't always mean better. Sometimes you're just paying for the name. There are many over-the-counter products that work just as well or better than their pricey competitors.
4. No one product works for everyone. Your friend may swear by a product, but you may not experience the same results because you have different skin types or skin concerns.
5. "Clinically proven" doesn't necessarily mean effective. Oftentimes the product is given to a sample of people to try for a few weeks and then they report whether or not they saw improvement. Products tested in this way are not reviewed by the FDA.

Your dermatologist is your best ally. Schedule your appointment with me and we'll work together to find the right product for you. Call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment today!

The ABCs of Melanoma

Since the beginning of this year, Greenville Dermatology has diagnosed over 550 new cases of skin cancer, including one patient under the age of 30. Furthermore, 20 of those cases were classified as melanoma, the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. The best preventative for skin cancer is protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding tanning beds. In addition to visiting your dermatologist once a year for a full body exam if you are at normal risk, you should also perform regular self checks to look for lumps, discolorations, and changes in moles. The easiest way to determine if you may have skin cancer is as easy as your ABCs.

• Asymmetrical skin lesion
• Border of the lesion is irregular
• Color: multiple colors or changing color in a mole
• Diameter: moles greater than 6 mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller moles
• Enlarging: enlarging or evolving

Make an appointment at Greenville Dermatology today for your skin cancer screening. Early detection is key for prevention!

Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite

It seems like you can't watch the news today without seeing a story about bedbugs. Despite all the recent buzz, bedbugs have actually been around for a long time and by the look of things, they are here to stay.

Bedbugs were common in the U.S. before World War II, but became rare after the pesticide DDT effectively wiped them out. Despite the chemical eviction from the United States, bedbugs did just fine in the rest of the world and since they can hitch a ride on clothing and luggage, international travel eventually brought them back.

Not exactly sure what a "bedbug" is? They are small, oval, non-flying insects, often mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches. Adult bedbugs range from 5-7mm in length, while nymphs (juveniles) can be as small as 1.5mm. With a reddish brown color, they feed by sucking blood from animals or humans.

The bites itch and in some cases can cause an allergic reaction, but they do not carry disease. While it may make your skin crawl just thinking about them, bedbugs are actually clean critters. The prevailing theory is that new bugs were introduced from overseas, because the ones found in cities now are resistant to different insecticides from those used on poultry or cockroaches. Visiting hotels and other infested homes are common ways to get the bedbugs. They hide in mattresses, pillows, and curtains, but have no problem climbing into your luggage or clothing and tagging along for the ride.

Today's bedbugs have now evolved to be DDT-resistant and bug killers around the country have learned quickly that one chemical alone will not eliminate these pests. Some of the innovative techniques used to get rid of bedbugs are heat treatments, steam, and vacuums. Bug-sniffing dogs, trained in a similar way as bomb- or drug-sniffers, can alert to an infestation at an early stage, when it's easier to manage.

Some people overreact, even developing delusional parasitosis, the illusion that bugs are crawling on them. It is smart to be aware, but not panicky. Despite the fact that they do not carry disease, the bites can become infected by too much scratching.

Experts say that if you don't have bedbugs now, there is a high likelihood you will one day. But you can minimize your chances with simple steps, such as learning what a bedbug looks like and then keeping your eyes peeled. So tonight, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite!

A special event just for you!

Do you have a stubborn wrinkle you're dying to get rid of? Have you seen the Latisse commercials and wanted to try the product that dermatologists are raving about? On Friday, September 17, 2010, Greenville Dermatology will be hosting a Botox event offering exclusive promotions on Botox, Latisse and many other of our most popular products and services. If you book your appointment for Friday, September 17th, from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you'll receive extraordinary savings, including Botox injections at $10 a unit and $50 off Juvederm injections. We are also offering great savings on Latisse and Vivite. With any purchase, your name will be entered into a drawing for a year's supply of Latisse! Also, be sure to meet out Licenced Medical Esthetician Rachelle A. Patterson and receive a free Visia Skin Analysis. You don't want to miss these incredible deals! Call (864) 242-5872 to book your appointment today!

The Skinny on Skin Cancer

Have you ever heard the expression, "ignorance is bliss?" Well, not when it comes to matters of your health. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer. Being well informed on the risks can help protect you and your family.

There are three different conditions that "skin cancer" refers to: basal cell carcinoma (most common form, accounting for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S.), squamous cell carcinoma (second most common form), and melanoma (generally considered the most serious form because of how quickly it spreads).

UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer and the most common place for cancerous lesions to occur is the face.

Although most skin cancers don't appear until after the age of 50, the sun's damaging effects begin at a much earlier age. Here are some ways that you can help prevent the two most common forms of skin cancer:
- Avoid unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (the hours surrounding noon)
- Undergo regular checkups and bring any suspicious looking lesions to the attention of a dermatologist
- Avoid tanning beds and always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- Wear broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while in the sun (like our Scala hats!)

It is often hard to tell the difference between a basal cell carcinoma and a benign growth without performing a biopsy. If you notice any unusual lesions, it is best to have them looked at immediately by your dermatologist. With that said, there are many ways to successfully treat a basal cell carcinoma with a good success rate; typically 90% of these types of cancers are treated successfully.

Even though most skin cancers are cured, those who have been treated have a higher-than-average risk of developing a new cancer of the skin, so follow-up care is extremely important. Patients must continue to examine themselves regularly and visit their dermatologist for regular screenings. If you haven't had a skin cancer screening this summer, now is the time to make an appointment!

The importance of board certification

Are you getting your skin care advice from anyone BUT a board certified dermatologist?
At Greenville Dermatology, your cosmetic dermatology procedures such as Botox, Juvéderm and Restylane are always performed by a board certified dermatologist. At a medi spa… it could be anyone.

I want to take the time to explain what being “board certified” in dermatology means.

When a dermatologist is board-certified, it means that the dermatologist has:

• Completed a three-year residency in dermatology;
• Passed a rigorous two-part test administered by the American Board of Dermatology.
• Required to maintain certification by completing prescribed courses yearly, having other dermatologists review my care, and re-testing by taking the board exam every 10 years.

The certification process is designed to assure the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty.

These rigorous standards are in place to ensure our patients safety and care. That is why it is so important for you to do your research when you are considering any type of cosmetic or medical dermatology procedure. Many medi spas and plastic surgery offices are providing these services without being supervised or administered by a Medical Doctor.

At Greenville Dermatology I administer all injections and fillers for my patients. I have been providing “Botox Cosmetic” (which is produced by Allergan in the United States) injections for the last eleven years, and have never had a single adverse reaction.

For an appointment or more information on any of our Dermatology services, call our office at 864-242-5872.

Dr. Miller

DWT: Breaking the laws of skincare

We have all heard about the risks of driving while texting but what about another DWT to consider...Driving While Tanning?

A recent report released from The Skin Cancer Foundation discusses the importance of protecting your skin from damaging UV rays even while in the car.

The report revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers' side of the body. It is reasonable to assume that the increase in skin cancers on the left side of the body could be caused by the UV exposure one would receive while driving a car. If you're one of the over 200 million licensed drivers in the US, this should be of concern to you!

Car windshields are partially treated to filter out UVA, but the side windows of cars let in up to 63 percent of the sun's UVA radiation, and rear windows are not protected at all, leaving your backseat passengers completely exposed.

So be sure to keep sunscreen handy when you take long road trips and skip the sun roof AND the convertible.

For even more sun protection, be sure to wear a hat while driving, particularly one with a 3" brim or larger. We carry a wide variety of Scala hats, these hats offer built-in sun protection, while still looking fashionable. Come by our office to take a look at our selection or call for more information, (864) 242-5872.

Dr. Miller